
When choosing the right wetsuit it is important to think about these questions:
- What is the average temp of the water?
- Do you run warm or cold? - adjust thickness to personal preference
- Are you using the wetsuit for submersion sports or wind sports? - increase thickness when exposed to high winds
This guide will help you pick the best wetsuit for your local conditions, type of use, and personal preference. By the end of this you should be able to answer the following:
- How thick should my wetsuit be?
- What type of wetsuit is best for me?
- Should I get a front zip or back zip wetsuit?
- What neoprene accessories will I need?
The table below can serve as a rough guide for recommended wetsuit thickness, type and accessories for a given water temperature range. Refer to the examples of different wetsuit types and accessories below if needed.

Front Zip vs. Back Zip

Front zip and back zip wetsuits are the two main wetsuit designs that differ in the placement of the zipper, and each has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. The choice between a front zip or a back zip wetsuit typically comes down to these two factors: ease of entry / exit and water seepage.
Back zip wetsuits are much easier to get on and off because of the longer zipper that typically runs the length of the back, the longer zipper does make these wetsuits more prone to water seepage. Front zip wetsuits have a shorter zipper located in the chest area which reduces water seepage but also makes it more difficult to get the wetsuit on and off.
In summary, the choice between front zip and back zip wetsuits often comes down to personal preference. We recommend getting a back zip wetsuit if entry and exit is a concern due to flexibility issues or body type. If entry / exit is not a concern we recommend getting a front zip wetsuit
Wetsuit Accessory Guide
Booties: Insulation and Protection
Neoprene boots keep your feet both warm and protected during sessions. The warmth of a neoprene boot is dependent on the thickness of neoprene - typical options are 3mm, 5mm, and 7mm. At our location in Bellingham Washington, we recommend getting just a 5mm pair of booties or if you can justify it a 3mm for warmer seasons and a 7mm for colder seasons maximizes comfort in the water.
In addition to keeping your feet warm, neoprene boots also keep your feet protected when in the water. We have sharp rocks and barnacles at our local riding spots and the durable rubber sole prevents cuts or abrasions from these hazards - if sharp objects are present in your local area you will likely want to get a pair of booties even if the water temperature is warm.
Booties: Round Toe vs. Split Toe
Do you like flip flops? If yes, you should get split toe booties - they have a similar feel and have more benefits than round toe booties. If you are not a fan of flip flops, do not worry - round toe booties are for you. Split toe booties have a piece of rubber between your big toe and the rest of your toes. The benefits of a split toe boot are that with that void of space being taken up there is less room for water to pool in the boot. Also, the split toe prevents any rotation of the sole around your foot which can be difficult to correct when you are in the water.
Gloves: Thickness and Style
There are a lot of choices when it comes to neoprene gloves, in both style of glove and thickness. For recommended glove thickness for your water temperature range refer back to the first table.

5 Finger Gloves: Likely the most popular of the neoprene glove styles because of their versatility. We recommend this style for any general use of wetsuit gloves in cold waters.
Mittens: These gloves are most often used for surfing in very cold water. Mitts (and Lobster) are typically offered in thicker size options than most other gloves and also keep you warmer by allowing contact between your fingers while using them.
Lobster Gloves: Similar to mittens these gloves are often used in surfing in very cold water and are offered in thicker sizes. Lobster gloves are a hybrid between 5 finger gloves and mittens, increasing dexterity and allowing some finger contact.
Pre Curved: These gloves are designed for wind sports or paddle sports where you will be gripping onto something constantly. These are designed to have no resistance when gripping which prevents forearm muscle fatigue - great for kiteboarding, wing foiling or cold water paddling.
Open Palm Gloves: Same as pre curved gloves but for warmer temperatures.
Neoprene Care and Maintenance

- Gear Aid Revivex Wetsuit and Drysuit Shampoo: Wash away organic residues like algae and bacteria with the to keeps neoprene clean and flexible, promotes longevity.
- Gear Aid Odor Eliminator: Keeps your neoprene smelling fresh!
- Gear Aid Aquaseal Neoprene Contact Cement: For fixing small tears - cures as a flexible adhesive so the repair stretches with your wetsuit
- Gear Aid Iron Mend Neoprene Patch: Iron on patch for handling larger wetsuit repairs - use in addition to the neo contact cement for best results.
- C-Monsta V2 Wetsuit Hanger: Hang your neoprene gear anywhere! Boots and gloves dry quicker with vertical hanging options.